Prevention Guidelines for Children from Birth to Age 2

Screening tests and vaccines are an important part of managing your child’s health. Below are guidelines for these, for children from birth to age 2. You and your child’s healthcare provider may decide that a different schedule is best for your child. But this plan can guide your discussion. Talk with your child’s healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on what he or she needs.

Screening

Who needs it

How often

Apgar score. These are measurements done soon after birth. They include heart rate, breathing, skin color, muscle tone, and reflex responses. This score is used to check a newborn's general health at birth.

All newborns

1 and 5 minutes after birth

High lead level

All children in this age group

Risk assessment of lead exposure at 6, 9, and 18 months. Risk assessment or blood test at 12 and 24 months.

Newborn screenings. This is a series of tests for metabolic, endocrine, hemoglobin, and other conditions. The tests may vary by state. Tests check for hearing loss, congenital hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, severe heart problems, and severe immunodeficiency.

All newborns. Ask your child's healthcare provider about the tests in your state.

Before leaving the hospital

Tooth decay

Children ages 6 months and older

Dental exams every 6 months. Fluoride supplements from age 6 months to 16 years for those with low fluoride levels in their water. Fluoride varnish should be applied every 3 to 6 months.

Vaccines

Who needs it

How often

Hepatitis B vaccine

All infants

At birth, between ages 1 to 2 months, and a final dose between ages 6 to 18 months

DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis)

All infants

At ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, between ages 15 to 18 months, and a booster between ages 4 to 6 years